How – and why – to plan a workation as a freelancer

As a teenager, I had it all planned out – I’d be a freelancer. I’d make a lot of money. And I’d be a digital nomad for life.

I have been freelancing since I was 19. At times I made a lot of money. But I’ve never become a digital nomad. 

I made different choices, and I don’t regret that. Yet, I still have the travel bug, and as a freelancer I have great freedom. That’s why, from time to time, I like to play the digital nomad game for a couple of weeks. How? With a workation, of course!

What’s a workation, exactly?

A workation is a mix of work and vacation. Since you can work anywhere, why wouldn’t you do it on a cruise ship, or in that foreign capital you’ve been wanting to explore for years?

With a workation you can do all of that while still working part-time. 

Don’t get me wrong – I am not advocating for workations instead of vacations. I love to take a proper vacation, and you should totally do that at least once or twice per year. 

But if you are like me, you can’t take five 2-week vacations per year. That’s where workations come in handy.

How a workation helped me restart my freelance business

My first ever workation was in spring 2022. I took off to Lisbon and stayed there for 2 weeks. It ticked all my boxes – Portugal has a low cost of living, Lisbon is a fantastic city, and it wasn’t far from Italy, where I live.

Most importantly, though, I took it while I was struggling with burnout and had no motivation to keep working on my freelance business.

It turned out to be a reinvigorating experience that reminded me of all the great things about freelancing that I had come to take for granted over the years. 

I can safely say it was instrumental for me to finally manage to get back on track – two months later, I started to slowly phase back to work.

Define your priorities…

Are you looking to primarily relax, with work taking a backseat? Or is your goal to maintain a regular work schedule while enjoying a change of scenery?

If your priority is relaxation, be prepared to allocate a larger budget for activities and accommodations where you can truly unwind, if that’s something that you value. 

If your aim is to keep up with work while enjoying a new environment, instead, your planning should lean towards a balance. You might explore local sights and experiences, but the primary focus remains on work.

In either scenario, being clear about what you want from your workation helps in making the right choices, ensuring that your time is both productive and enjoyable, whether it’s tilted towards more work or more play.

… and set your budget accordingly

Setting a budget is a crucial step in planning a workation. Begin by outlining your major expenses: accommodation, travel fares, food and leisure activities. (factor in occasional splurges like a fancy dinner or a local tour – it’s still part vacation, after all!)

This exercise will help you make informed choices, ensuring you enjoy your workation without financial stress. By planning your budget in advance, you can find the perfect balance between work, exploration, and relaxation.

Choose a destination

The world is your playground… but keep in mind you’ll still be working, at least a few hours per day. If you are travelling to another country, you have to plan your working hours based on the time difference.

An example? 9 AM in Boston is 11PM in Seul. If you mainly work with clients in the Boston area and you want to spend 2 weeks in Korea, you would have to wake up at 6AM to be able to answer emails at 4PM, client time. That’s a time difference nightmare for you to handle. 

If you spend those 2 weeks in Paris instead, you’ll be free to explore the city in the mornings and still be there for your clients’ start of business time – 9AM in Boston is 3PM in Paris.

You will also need a reliable Internet connection. In big cities and popular tourism destinations, that’s not hard to come by. However, if you plan to explore more remote areas, you will need some preparation.

Where to stay

While I love hotels, and they are usually my first choice when I travel, I don’t usually recommend them for a workation. Opting for a short term rental can be a much better choice, mainly for two reasons: you can cook your own meals, which helps to keep costs down and to stay in shape; and they often have something better than a chair and a small desk to create a basic workstation.

If you want to take your workation to a brand new level, though, my top tip is to work from a coworking space. There is simply no better way to meet locals and work in a comfortable setting, and you can choose one that’s close enough to wherever you are staying. 

With digital nomadism getting more and more popular, there are plenty of guides to find coworking spaces in most touristic destinations in the world.

Plan each day beforehand

Remember that you're juggling work and leisure, so striking the right balance is crucial. Start by setting realistic goals for each day. Are there specific hours you need to be online, or tasks that require deep focus? Work around those to plan when you need to be at your desk.

Next, integrate your leisure activities. If you're an early riser, perhaps a morning walk or exploring local cafes can kickstart your day. If you prefer evenings, save local attractions or dining experiences for then. By allocating time for both work and fun, you're less likely to feel overwhelmed or guilty for not meeting work obligations.

Remember, flexibility is key. Sometimes, work demands may shift or you might discover a must-see spot. Being adaptable while keeping a basic structure will help you enjoy your workation to the fullest, without compromising on your professional responsibilities.

My advice for first timers

Is this your first time planning a workation? Keep things simple.

• Choose a local destination – Choose a destination that’s just a few hours away, possibly in the same country. National parks, skiing destinations in the winter and beach areas in the summer come to mind
• Make the most of your slow season – If you have been freelancing for a few years, you know what times of the year you are busiest and what months are usually slower. For me, the first two weeks of December are usually the slowest time of the year. That is the best time for me to go
• Stay for a week – As you become a workation expert, you’ll be able to take much longer workations. For your first one, though, a week should be enough
• Tell your clients you will only be working part time – No need to hide this from your clients! Tell them well in advance that you’ll be working part-time from X to Y. Just don’t go MIA on them

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/09/how-and-why-to-plan-a-workation-as-a-freelancer/

Do You Owe Pandemic-Era Freelance Taxes? IRS 2020 and 2021 Penalty Relief May Reduce Your Tax Burden

If you owe freelance back taxes from tax years 2020 or 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)has good news: it recently announced new tax penalty relief for individuals, businesses and tax-exempt organizations that were not sent automated collection reminder notices during the pandemic. The relief is significant, totaling nearly $1.0 billion. 

The IRS tax relief applies to freelance taxes for 2020 and 2021 and due to the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the IRS temporarily suspended the mailing of automated reminders to pay overdue tax bills. This process began in February 2022 as the automated IRS reminders would have normally been issued as a follow-up after the initial notice. 

Although these reminder notices were suspended, the failure-to-pay penalty was not waived for taxpayers who did not fully pay their bills in response to the initial balance due notice. Additional letters and notices are expected to go out in the coming weeks to advise those taxpayers of the penalty relief.  

The IRS is also taking steps to waive the failure-to-pay penalties for eligible taxpayers affected by this situation for tax years 2020 and 2021. The IRS estimates five million tax returns are eligible for penalty relief. If you are affected, as normal processes resume, you may receive a special IRS reminder letter that is being sent starting in January 2024. The letter will inform you of any liability, ways to pay it, and the amount of penalty relief, if applied. 

IRS Actions and Timelines for Freelance Penalty Abatement

As a first step of the pandemic-era tax relief, the IRS has adjusted eligible individual accounts and will follow with adjustments to business accounts now through early January 2024. According to the IRS nearly 70 percent of the individual taxpayers receiving penalty relief have income under $100,000 per year.

The IRS is releasing Notice 2024-7 PDF, which explains how the agency is providing failure-to-pay penalty relief to eligible taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to help them meet their federal tax obligations.

Important Information for Freelance Taxpayers: Penalty Relief is Automatic

If you believe your freelance tax situation may be affected by this news, beware that the penalty relief is automatic. Eligible taxpayers don't need to take any action to get it. If you already paid your full freelance tax balance, you will benefit from the relief, too, the IRS will issue a refund or credit the payment toward another outstanding tax liability.

Are There Exclusions for the IRS Penalty Relief for Tax Years 2020 and 2021?

The penalty relief only applies to eligible taxpayers with assessed tax under $100,000. Eligible taxpayers include individuals, businesses, trusts, estates and tax-exempt organizations that filed certain Forms 1040, 1120, 1041 and 990-T income tax returns for tax years 2020 or 2021, with an assessed tax of less than $100,000, and that were in the IRS collection notice process, or who were issued an initial balance due notice between Feb. 5, 2022, and Dec. 7, 2023. The $100,000 limit applies separately to each return and each entity. The failure-to-pay penalty will resume on April 1, 2024, for taxpayers eligible for relief.

If the automatic relief results in a refund or credit, individual and business taxpayers will be able to see it by viewing their tax transcript. The IRS will send the first round of refunds starting in late December 2023 through January 2024. If you do not receive a refund, and think that you should, watch for a special reminder notice which may be sent with an updated balance beginning in early 2024. 

Resumption of tax collection notices begins in 2024

The IRS’s pause in collection mailings affected only follow-up reminder mailings. The IRS did not suspend the mailing of the first, or initial, balance due notices for taxpayers.

The pause meant that if you have a long-standing freelance tax debt and you have not received a formal letter or notice from the IRS in more than a year this may be because  some of this older collection work has been paused. If you do receive a tax notice that shows you have a balance or are being assessed a penalty that you were not expecting, be sure to reach out to a tax professional who can accurately answer questions regarding penalty relief on 2020 or 2021 freelance tax returns.

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/08/do-you-owe-pandemic-era-freelance-taxes-irs-2020-and-2021-penalty-relief-may-reduce-your-tax-burden/

Health Risks of Not Being Physically Active

This post is provided by our partner, MetroPlusHealth. Find affordable health plans for New Yorkers of all ages from MetroPlusHealth.

Not being physically active is a risk factor for health problems. If you aren't physically active, you are at higher risk for:

• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Anxiety and depression
• Some kinds of cancer

Facts about inactive lifestyles

Many deaths occur each year due to a lack of regular physical activity. Here are some facts:

• More people tend to have an inactive lifestyle as they get older.
• Women are more likely to have inactive lifestyles than men.
• Non-Hispanic white adults are more likely to get physical activity.
• Hispanic and African-American adults are less likely to get physical activity.

Getting active to prevent health problems

Being physically active has been shown to have many benefits. For example:

• You are less likely to develop coronary heart disease. This is even if you smoke, drink alcohol, or don’t have a healthy diet.
• People of size greatly reduce their risk for disease when they get regular physical activity.
• Older adults who are active can reduce their risk for falls. They can improve their ability to do daily activities.

You can help prevent health problems caused by not being physically active. The CDC suggests that you:

• Increase your amount of weight-bearing activities. Examples of this are running and walking.
• Increase your amount of aerobic activity. This includes running, biking, or swimming.
• Do strength training exercises twice a week.
• Do aerobic activity all during the week. This means things that increase your heart rate.

The CDC suggests that adults with chronic conditions or disabilities do both of the activities below if they are able:

• Spend at least 2.5 to 5 hours of time each week (for instance, 30 minutes for 5 days a week) on moderate-intensity aerobic activity.
• Do muscle-strengthening activities that include all major muscle groups at least 2 days a week.

If you aren't active or you have chronic health problems, ask your healthcare provider how to safely increase the amount of your daily activity. Even a small daily increase can have health benefits.

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/03/health-risks-of-not-being-physically-active/

Are there tumbleweeds in your freelance business?

We’ve all been there – the unbearable space between where you are and where you want to be in your business as a creative freelancer.

Perhaps the current version of your career or business feels too small, safe, and limiting. Maybe you’ve outgrown your clients, revenue, and business model. Maybe you’re not even sure what your business model is (hey, there’s no shame in this game, most of us start with the default model!).

You know there’s a next chapter waiting to be written – something more expansive, captivating, and motivating – but you’re darned if you know what that looks like or how to get there.

Can you relate?

Let’s give this unsettling place a name: The Wilderness.

Being in The Wilderness might manifest as feeling lost, overwhelmed, or having lost your mojo. Maybe you feel resentment, even shame that your profit and loss sheet does not reflect the talent, potential, and hard work you put in. The Wilderness can feel scary because we don’t know how big it is, how long it will last, or what it means/says about us.

As a business coach for creative freelancers (and a business owner myself), I’ve come to realize The Wilderness is somewhere we all visit. Rather than being something to fear, I’ve come to view it as a big old signpost that we need to make a change.

Ready to move through The Wilderness and fully embrace the next fulfilling and profitable chapter of your creative business or career?

Read on for three actionable steps to be on your merry way:

1) Get it out

When we’re in The Wilderness, we tend to turn inward, meaning we keep all the confusion, discomfort, and fear inside where it morphs, grows, and generally wreaks havoc. In the last 24 hours alone, I’ve coached two clients who, when presented with a well-placed question and non-judgmental space to talk, came to some profound realizations. In both cases, these insights unlocked the story that was holding them back from the next big thing and gave rise to some surprisingly simple next steps.

How might you get it out? Maybe your support person is a coach, partner, collaborator, and/or therapist.

Not a verbal processor or in a position to hire a coach or therapist? I’m a later-in-life convert to journaling, specifically the Morning Pages. The most important thing is that you get your ideas out so they can be processed in the light of day!

2) Hang out with folks further along than you

OK, this one can feel scary because you’re already feeling a little wobbly and now, I’m asking you to put yourself in the company of people that will make you feel even more stuck. Nope, not at all! This is about intentionally finding communities – from local networking groups to high-level masterminds, expert-led retreats, or coaching programs – that support individual and collective growth.

Caveat: there are a whole lot of “experts” out there promising the world and delivering very little. Choose your mentors, groups, and people wisely. Here are a few suggestions:

• Check out the credentials of the professional or group. What is their experience? What is their process? How do they get results? E.g. if it means getting dragged out of bed at 2 a.m. for a fire walk, it’s probably a “no” for me. What are other people saying about the experience?
• What is the quality and caliber of the people you’ll be in company with? Reach out to a past client or participant and ask them to share their experience as well as the results they got.
• Do your homework. Ask lots of questions. Trust your instincts.  Even a whiff of a cult-y charismatic leader should be heeded.

3. Do the thing

Exciting, expansive, and lucrative new chapters in your life and business don’t just happen. You’ve got to create something, put it out into the world, test and refine it, and do the whole thing again. This, my friends, is not for the faint of heart. But every great leap is on the other side of discomfort, vulnerability, and experimentation.

OK, that’s the pep talk. Now, how do you make it happen? Here are a few suggestions:

• Clear the decks: What needs to go so you have the time, energy, and bandwidth to dedicate to a new idea or project? Maybe it’s a “legacy” client (you know, the one you’ve not raised your rates with for years for fear of losing that revenue).
• Sketch out the simplest possible version of this offering. What do you need to put it out there? Do you need advice, more information, a resource, or an introduction? Who could help you?
• Reach out to the folks you think could help and ask for what you need. Don’t forget to offer them the same should you be able to support them.
• Put time in your calendar to do the work. Business advisor and author, Charlie Gilkey refers to this time as focus blocks and advises they be 90-120 minutes. For reference, the other blocks of time are social blocks, which are not what you might think i.e. hanging out with your friends, but your daily work (for me, coaching is a social block), recovery blocks, and admin blocks. If you’re anything like most folks, focus blocks are sorely lacking. Make sure you have at least 3 of those in your week.

Remember, The Wilderness is a place we all find ourselves at some point.  As uncomfortable as it is, take the gift of this time, get curious, and try things out. After all, as a creative, and natural born problem-solver, this is the work you were made for.  I’m rooting for, and I’m here to support you every step of the way!

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/03/are-there-tumbleweeds-in-your-freelance-business/

Key Tax Changes Every Freelance Business Owner Should Know for Tax Years 2023 and 2024

Although no significant tax legislation was enacted in 2023, there were changes from  2022 tax legislation that will have an impact on 2023 tax returns as well as changes being announced for 2024. Here’s a quick run down to help you be prepared for the coming tax season and new year ahead.

1. The Inflation Reduction Act provided new or enhanced tax credits and deductions for individuals and businesses. For individuals, the two tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements were enhanced and extended. 
2. The expanded Clean Vehicle Credit and new Previously Owned Clean Vehicle Credit mean that more types of used clean vehicles may qualify for that previously owned credit than qualify for the new vehicle credit. Changes to the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit limiting the credit to rural and lower-income areas may reduce the availability of that credit for many households.
3. There are 16 new or expanded clean energy credits and deductions for businesses which represent the most significant tax breaks made available for clean energy to date. The credits are increasingly tied to the resulting clean energy produced, rather than the particular source of the clean energy. 
4. There are also prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements apply for obtaining the maximum amount for many of the clean energy tax breaks. Many of the credits in the future can be transferred to an entity better able to utilize the credits, and nontaxable entities such as not-for-profits, tribal entities and government entities may qualify for elective payments rather than a credit.
5. SECURE 2.0, enacted as part of the year-end Appropriations Act in December 2022, made many changes to tax-advantaged retirement plans, including extending the age for required minimum distributions to age 73 for 2023 and reducing the penalties for failure to make required minimum distributions. 
6. The Internal Revenue Service recently announced significant changes to the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2024. The key changes to retirement contribution thresholds for 2024 include:

• The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $23,000, up from $22,500 in 2023. The SEP-IRA contribution limit is always the same as the annual additions limit for a 401k plan. It is $66,000 in 2023, and it will increase to $69,000 in 2024.
• The limit on annual contributions to an IRA increased to $7,000 in 2024, up from $6,500 in 2023. The IRA catch up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over is not subject to an annual cost of living adjustment and remains $1,000.
• The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $7,000, up from $6,500. Therefore, participants in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan who are 50 and older can contribute up to $30,000, starting in 2024. The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in SIMPLE plans is increased to $3,500, up from $3,000.
• Taxpayers can deduct contributions to a traditional IRA if they meet certain conditions. If during the year either the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, the deduction may be reduced, or phased out, until it is eliminated, depending on filing status and income. (If neither the taxpayer nor the spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, the phase-outs of the deduction do not apply.)

If during the year either the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, the deduction may be reduced, or phased out, until it is eliminated, depending on filing status and income. (If neither the taxpayer nor the spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, the phase-outs of the deduction do not apply.) The phase out ranges for 2024 are as follows:

• For single taxpayers covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is increased to between $77,000 and $87,000 [up from between $73,000 and $83,000].
• For married couples filing jointly, if the spouse making the IRA contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is increased to between $123,000 and $143,000 [up from between $116,000 and $136,000].
• For an IRA contributor who is not covered by a workplace retirement plan and is married to someone who is covered, the phase-out range is increased to between $230,000 and $240,000 [up from between $218,000 and $228,000].
• For a married individual filing a separate return who is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains between $0 and $10,000.
• The income phase-out range for taxpayers making contributions to a Roth IRA is increased to between $146,000 and $161,000 for singles and heads of household [up from between $138,000 and $153,000].
• For married couples filing jointly, the income phase-out range is increased to between $230,000 and $240,000 [up from between $218,000 and $228,000]. The phase-out range for a married individual filing a separate return who makes contributions to a Roth IRA is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains between $0 and $10,000.
• The income limits for the Saver’s Credit (also known as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit) for low- and moderate-income workers are:

1. $76,500 for married couples filing jointly [up from $73,000]
2. $57,375 for heads of household [up from $54,750]
3. $38,250 for singles and married individuals filing separately [up from $36,500]
4. The amount individuals can contribute to their SIMPLE retirement accounts is increased to $16,000 [up from $15,500].

Now is the time to look at year-end tax planning to see which of the above and other tax savings might be available to you. In addition, you can also ahead toward retirement planning so you can take advantage of both tax savings for 2023 and look ahead to maximizing savings for 2024. This will not only provide certain tax advantages, but it will also ensure that one day you have a comfortable retirement! 

Remember to touch base with a qualified tax professional who can guide you appropriately in regard to these changes in relation to your specific tax situation.

Jonathan Medows is a NYC-based CPA who specializes in taxes for consultants across the country. His website has a resource section with how-to articles and information for freelancers. https://www.cpaforfreelancers.com/

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2024/01/03/key-tax-changes-every-freelance-business-owner-should-know-for-tax-years-2023-and-2024/

First-Ever Photo Hub: Giving Access to State-of-the-Art Equipment and Studio Space for Freelancers

Freelancers Union joins American Society of Media Photographers and MPB to Launch the Photo Hub, a State-of-the-art Studio and Equipment Facility for Photographers.

Brooklyn, NY - The barriers to entry for aspiring photographers just got a whole lot lower, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between the Freelancers Union, the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) New York, and MPB, the largest global platform to buy, sell and trade used photo and video gear. In a move to democratize access to high-quality photography equipment and studio space, the collaborative effort introduces the Photo Hub at the Freelancers Hub, nestled in Industry City, Brooklyn.

Embarking on a career in photography often comes with a daunting price tag, where the cost of a decent camera alone can easily exceed $600, not to mention the additional expenses for studio lighting, lenses, backdrops, and more. Addressing this access and equity challenge, the Photo Hub emerges as a beacon of affordability and convenience, offering an extensive suite of photography equipment at the fingertips of creatives.

"We're thrilled to have partnered with ASMP and MPB to provide our members with a gateway to refine their photography skills and unleash their creative potential," said Executive Director Rafael Espinal. "The Photo Hub represents an inclusive space where photographers of all levels can access top-notch equipment and professional studio facilities to bring their visions to life."

“ASMP's Mission is to empower visual content creators. Photography is a competitive and expensive industry and creatives entering the space face many hurdles including money and access. With access to this studio and gear we hope that members will have one less roadblock to bringing their creative vision to life,” said Liam Alexander ASMP NY Chapter President.

“We are so excited to help make Photo Hub a reality," said MPB's Vice President of Marketing Tammy Oler. "MPB is committed to making camera gear more accessible and affordable for everyone, and we believe that collaborations like this are vital to recognizing and removing barriers to inclusive storytelling. We can’t wait to see the work photographers are going to create using Photo Hub.”

“Tenant collaborations like this are core to the Industry City story,” said Jeff Fein, Senior Vice President of Leasing at Industry City. “When two IC business owners meet over coffee or at a mixer on campus, it tends to spark something great, and you end up with an idea like the Photo Hub. This project will open doors for newcomers to their industry, create value for their members, and hopefully grow the creative community here at IC.” 

The Photo Hub, situated within the Freelancers Hub, presents an invaluable opportunity for ASMP NY and Freelancers Union members to rent the studio space for diverse photoshoots encompassing fashion, headshots, product photography, and beyond. Notably, ASMP members gain exclusive access to the studio space free of charge (by requesting their unique booking code via email), while Freelancers Union members can avail themselves of the space at a discounted rate of $60/hour, inclusive of comprehensive access to all Photo Hub equipment.

Location, location, location. Industry City is a mecca for creative opportunities as both major organizations are headquartered there. Freelancers’ Union is located in Industry City’s Building 1, a 4,500 square-foot co-working and arts space. MPB is a tenant in Industry City’s Building 7 with a 35,000-square-foot office and warehouse. 

For more information and to explore the Photo Hub's offerings, please visit https://freelancershub.simplybook.me/v2/.

Freelancers Union

Freelancers Union is the largest and fastest-growing organization representing the 60 million independent workers across the country. It gives its over 500,000 members a voice through policy advocacy, benefits, online resources, and educational and community-building events in nearly two dozen cities. Since its founding, Freelancers Union has fought for and won protections for freelance workers, including the first-of-its-kind Freelance Isn’t Free Act in New York City, which gives freelancers unprecedented protection from nonpayment and underpayment. In 2018, Freelancers Union launched Freelancers Hub, a free coworking space and training and resource center for freelancers, with support from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. Learn more at www.freelancersunion.org. 

American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) New York Chapter

ASMP is the home for Visual Content Creators. Whether you’re a photographer, YouTuber, filmmaker, enthusiast, or a student who wants a career in the fast-changing and diverse visual content creation landscape, ASMP is built to help you succeed. Together, our community of more than 6,500 Members provides a platform for education, advocacy, and meaningful change. Learn more at www.asmpny.org

MPB

MPB transforms the way people buy, sell and trade used photo and video gear. As the largest global platform for used photography and videography equipment, MPB is a destination for everyone, whether you’ve just discovered your passion for visual storytelling or you’re already a pro. 

Founded by Matt Barker in 2011, MPB has always been committed to making gear more accessible and affordable, and building a more sustainable future. MPB recirculates nearly half a million used products every year, extending the life and creative potential of photo and video equipment for creators around the world.

Headquartered in the creative communities of Brooklyn, Brighton and Berlin, the MPB team includes trained camera experts and seasoned photographers and videographers who bring their passion to work every day to deliver outstanding service.

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2023/12/21/christmas-comes-early-for-nyc-photographers-with-launch-of-first-ever-photo-hub-giving-access-to-hristmas-comes-early-for-nyc-photographers-with-launch-of-first-ever-photo-hub-giving-ac/

Organize Your Way to Tax Day: 5 Steps for Success

This article is posted with permission from our partner TaxAct. File your freelance taxes with confidence using TaxAct’s easy-to-use tax software. Freelancers Union members get 25% off the cost of federal and state tax filing: https://freelancersunion.org/tax-center/

Whether you file early or wait until the tax deadline, there are simple things you can do today to help you cruise through tax season. Use the following five tips to start getting organized.

Step 1: Know when your tax documents will arrive

Your tax forms should arrive in the mail starting in January. When the forms start to arrive, take a moment to pull out a file folder, label it, and set it somewhere safe. As new tax documents come in, add each one to your new Tax Day folder so everything you need is in one place.

Most common tax forms are sent out by late January, so if you’re missing a W-2 or 1099 in mid-February, go ahead and track it down. Having everything you need in one place sets you up for a Tax Day win.

Step 2: Review your year’s milestones

Did you get married this year? Have a baby? Buy a house or car? If you made a big life change, congratulations!

Since Uncle Sam isn’t a traditional “cool uncle,” don’t expect a gift from your registry. Instead, you might need some additional documentation and possibly extra tax forms.

For example, if you got married, check that your filing name matches what’s on your social security card. If you moved, make sure you update your address — you can do that as you file. You’ll also want to decide how you and your spouse will file this year. Your choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Remember, whether you tied the knot at New Year’s brunch in January or right before the ball dropped in December, the IRS considers you married for the entire year. Make sure your information reflects that!

Step 3: Consider if you’ll itemize

A majority of taxpayers tend to take the standard deduction. However, if your itemized deductions add up to more than the standard deduction you qualify to claim, it might be a better idea to itemize.

When you file with TaxAct^®, we can help you run the numbers each way to see which choice works best for you.

Here are the standard deduction rates for tax year 2023 in comparison with 2022:

Filing status	2023 standard deduction	2022 standard deduction
Single	$13,850	$12,950
Married filing jointly	$27,700	$25,900
Married filing separately	$13,850	$12,950
Head of household	$20,800	$19,400

Planning to itemize? Get started organizing your expense receipts from the year. An easy way to combine digital and hard copies is to snap, save, and sort them into your phone’s photo albums. That way, they’re all in one place.

Know you’ll take the standard deduction? Nice. Sit back, relax, and skip receipt gathering altogether.

Step 4: Set time aside to file

Life is hectic. And somehow, the second you sit down to do your taxes is when that chaos escalates.

Show your schedule who’s boss. Try clearing a designated block of time on your calendar to file. Go all out! Schedule a playdate for the kids, put on some motivating music, and get down to business.

By assigning that time now, you remove the “When will I prepare my taxes?!” stress from your life. And when the time rolls around, you’ll have an environment that lets you focus.

Step 5: Find a tax partner that helps you succeed

TaxAct is designed to help you hang on to more of what’s already yours. We’ll walk you through each section of your taxes, step by step, prompting you with tips for deductions and credits that you may not know about.

Best of all, our tax preparation solutions help you to prepare your taxes quickly so that you can get back to your life. Isn’t that the kind of partner you want in your corner on Tax Day?

We’re ready to help you succeed. 

Main takeaways

By addressing little things early and clearing away potential filing obstacles, when you sit down to prepare taxes in a few months there’ll be nothing standing between you and filing success — except maybe a pile of snacks. And who are we kidding? You’ll need those.

This article is for informational purposes only and not legal or financial advice.

All TaxAct offers, products and services are subject to applicable terms and conditions.

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from Freelancers Union Blog https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2023/12/19/organize-your-way-to-tax-day-5-steps-for-success/